Serious use for Silly String (America, Article)

[Bishka]

link here

Originally Posted by article

STRATFORD, N.J. -- In an age of multimillion-dollar high-tech weapons systems, sometimes it's the simplest ideas that can save lives. Which is why a New Jersey mother is organizing a drive to send cans of Silly String to Iraq.


American troops use the stuff to detect trip wires around bombs, as Marcelle Shriver learned from her son, a soldier in Iraq.


Before entering a building, troops squirt the plastic goo, which can shoot strands about 10 to 12 feet, across the room. If it falls to the ground, no trip wires. If it hangs in the air, they know they have a problem. The wires are otherwise nearly invisible.

[jewscout]

i heard about this...it's hilarious yet absolutely ingenious

[Shadow Wolf]

That is a good idea. My mom is always wanting to send items to the troops. I'll let her know of that.

[klubbhead024]

I just got done talking to a friend who is over there, and he has never heard of such a thing. He mentioned that they have more hi-tech ways of doing it, but wouldn't get into specifics